CELE PLEDGES TO SOLVE MEYIWA MURDER
Police minister at tournament to commemorate slain footballer
IS THE truth set to come out about the murder of former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa?
It has been four years since Meyiwa was shot and killed in Vosloorus during a robbery at the home of his girlfriend, actress and singer Kelly Khumalo.
But the truth is yet to come out.
The man who knows the truth, Mthokozisi Thwala, is optimistic that the next few months will reveal what really happened four years ago.
Thwala was a good friend of Meyiwa, and was present when he was shot dead.
“I feel dejected because there has been no closure in this case. But it’s in the hands of the police, because their investigation is still pending.
“I have faith in (Police Minister) Bheki Cele. I believe he will put the matter to rest. They all know our statements.
“I can’t disclose much because the investigation is ongoing. As someone who was present when the incident occurred, I want closure. It’s very difficult for me as his friend.
“I can just say there is something big that could soon be revealed by the police,” Thwala said.
Meyiwa and Thwala grew up together in uMlazi, and continued their friendship in Joburg.
At the weekend, a galaxy of football stars who played with Meyiwa gathered at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban to commemorate the death of the former Bafana captain.
Fans also came out in numbers to support the Senzo Meyiwa tournament.
Star players like Mamelodi Sundowns midfield dynamo Andile Jali, Lucky Lekgwathi, Thanduyise Khuboni and Lebohang Mokoena, who all played with Meyiwa at club and national level, were among the big names at the commemoration of his legacy.
“It is a very sensitive case and I can’t say I will not talk, because I fear for my life. At the end of the day, I just want justice for my friend. The picture of what happened still runs through my mind.
“One day I would love to tell the whole story, but that doesn’t mean there are people who have told me to hide the truth.
“It is not easy for me, Senzo’s family
We will now get to the truth of what really happened
and Mandisa’s family (Mandisa Mkhize was in the process of getting married to Senzo). I can’t say much… All I want for Senzo is justice. I’ve given so many statements about this case,” Thwala added.
Cele was among the dignitaries and made it clear that they were working diligently to find the people who gunned Meyiwa down.
“I have enormous belief that one day we’ll put this matter to rest. I was elated to see people coming out in their numbers to support this initiative,” Cele remarked.
“I’m also happy to have received an invitation to be part of today’s event. The Meyiwa legacy needs to go on. Senzo was a national asset,” he added.
“We are doing everything in our power to ensure that we emerge victoriously in this investigation.
“We had a team investigating the case, and they recently gave me their report.
“The report wasn’t pleasing at all,” the minister said.
“Meyiwa died when he was in the prime of his career, as he captained both Bafana Bafana and Pirates.
“I haven’t set any time-frame to the investigating team. I’ve given them the task to break this case for us.
“We don’t want to rush this… We are also appealing to the nation to give us space.
“We want to get proper answers, Cele said.
“If the process can be fast then we will be happy, but if it takes long to get to the truth, we’ll be happy too.”
Senzo’s father, Sam Meyiwa, said the commemoration had consoled him.
“I’m really happy. I’ve been crying all these years.
“Today’s event gave me hope that things will start to happen. I can now sleep at night.
“I want to thank all the players who turned up to celebrate my son’s life.”